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The Winnipeg Promise will help more children get a higher education.

13 April 2016

Poverty is a complex and critical issue in Winnipeg, and United Way works with many partners who share the belief that any and all steps we can take towards ending it are important.

At the Cities Reducing Poverty: When Mayors Lead summit, Mayor Bowman announced The Winnipeg Promise, a steering committee dedicated to removing barriers that prevent low income families from accessing the Canada Learning Bond.

Photo: Winnipeg Boldness Project.

The Canada Learning Bond is money the Government of Canada deposits directly into a child’s Registered Education Savings Plan, and though many low-income Canadians are eligible, not all know about the program or take advantage of the money it provides. Some face barriers like not having identification, established bank accounts, or a stable address to receive mail.

And sometimes, the barriers are social isolation, stigma and mistrust.

Easier access to the Canada Learning Bond could make a practical and real difference, inspiring hope for the future in families where money for an education after high school is hard to come by.

United Way President & CEO Connie Walker is part of the committee, along with voices from the Indigenous community and the social, business, health, and education sectors.

It’s exciting to see the commitment Mayor Bowman, the McConnell Foundation, and leaders throughout the community have to easing the barriers poverty puts in the path of Winnipeg families.

We’re looking forward to working with our community on this and many other efforts needed to lift children and families out of poverty. And we’re really looking forward to more Winnipeg children—and their families—feeling hopeful about their bright futures.